This morning, despite my bleary eyes and typical early morning sluggishness, I somehow noticed that the day looked particularly crisp and cool. I poked my head out and, amazingly, it really wascrisp and cool! There are days when I have been in my climate controlled bubble at a nice 75 degrees for days at a time, and the cerulean sky almost seems inviting rather than scorching. But usually, when I poke my head out to double check what I already know to be true, I find out what it would be like to commit suicide by sticking my head in an oven. No offense to anyone who has ever lost a loved one to suicide by oven.

On those days I then retreat back inside and think hateful thoughts about the heat. Then I remember hot Vegas Halloweens and think about how much I hate hot Halloweens. Its wrong on so many levels, I have no analogies that would do justice to describing how horrible hot Halloweens are.

The point is that this morning I decided we should take advantage and eat breakfast outside. It was lovely and peaceful with the freshest of breezes.

The view of the backyard from our spot in the shade. Look how blue the sky is!

Another view of the peaceful side of the yard, from behind some flowers.

The chaotic side of the yard, with Violet trying to crawl away.

Ivy totally looks like Sara in this picture!

Violet trying to chow down on cereal, but mostly spilling it. And a scary floating ghost spoon, to her left.

This is Ivy's "why because?" expression.

Let me tell you a little something about Ivy’s “why because?” phase that she is going through. Everything that happens and/or is said is followed by “why because?”, and I answer her question only to be asked again, “why because?” and the answer to that question is met again with “why because?” …and on, and on, and on…. Let me give you an example.